For the second season, we have been caring for three bee colonies on the roof of the NORDCITY parking garage in Žilina. In 2026, the NORDCITY Bees project delivered not only more honey than last year but also positive results in bee health, biodiversity, and education.
Throughout the season, the colonies produced a total of 49.5 kg of honey. Compared to 2025, when 45 kg were harvested from the same number of hives, this represents a 10% year-on-year increase. The average production rose from 15 kg to 16.5 kg per colony. Over the first two seasons of the project, a total of 94.5 kg of honeyhas been produced on the NORDCITY roof.
The bees on the NORDCITY roof are more than just seasonal visitors. All three colonies survived the winter here and got back to work in the spring. The second season has shown that an urban roof can be a stable home for bees, not just during the summer, but throughout the entire year.
NORDCITY bees fly far beyond the building
Another interesting figure is their approximate flight and pollination radius. Bees can forage for food up to approximately 5 kilometers from the hives. In terms of circular area, this theoretically covers a territory of approximately 78.5 km².
This does not mean that this entire area is pollinated evenly. Bee activity depends on food availability, weather, and the specific environment. However, it demonstrates that three hives on a single roof are part of a much broader urban ecosystem.
A roof as an unconventional classroom
The project also has an educational dimension. During the season, two Žilina schools visited the hives – Montessori School Žilina and ZŠ Jarná Žilina. Students and teachers received an expert presentation on the life of bees and the work of a beekeeper, and were able to safely take a look directly into the hives.
Thanks to this, NORDCITY Bees is not just a project about honey production. It connects the care for pollinators, urban biodiversity, and practical education.
Two seasons have shown that bees belong on the NORDCITY roof. Now, it will be interesting to see what the next one brings.
